'I wasn't trying to blag it'

But when replays showed Collins had inadvertently handled the ball as it arrowed towards goal, fans and pundit Niall Quinn accused the Welshman of playacting to con the ref into thinking the ball had struck the back of his head.

While the fact the ball struck Collins' hand - albeit completely accidentally - is indisputable, the big centre back has hit back at claims he playacted and revealed he can prove it too.

Posting on his Instagram account, Collins said: "Great support as always...thank you!

"And just to say, I genuinely did get a knee to the back of my head wasn't trying to blag it... Got the lump to prove it."

But with Bilic having to contend with a crippling injury list which has seen star defender Winston Reid ruled out for an extended spell, Hammers fans will be hoping it means Collins is retained for the rest of the season at least.

Any West Ham fan worth their salt knows just how crucial he will be to a successful side.